§ 282-1. Legislative findings.

A. 

The Township finds that growth and development resulting in increased demand upon natural resources has had the effect of encroaching upon, despoiling and/or eliminating many of the woodlands, trees, and associated forms of vegetation. These resources, if preserved and maintained in an undisturbed and natural condition, provide air quality protection, maintenance of water quality, reduction of flood surges and soil erosion, and protection of vital wildlife habitat. In addition, these resources provide important aesthetic, ecological, recreational and economic benefits to existing and future residents of the Township and must, therefore, be protected.

B. 

Specifically, the Township finds that:

(1) 

Trees and woodland systems protect public health through the absorption of airborne pollutants and generation of oxygen, through the reduction of excessive noise and mental and physical damage related to noise pollution, and through their cooling properties in the summer months;

(2) 

Trees and woodland systems play an important role in the absorption of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from water as it passes from the surface to groundwater tables and lower aquifers;

(3) 

Trees and woodland systems, through their root systems, stabilize the soil and play an important and effective part in soil conservation, erosion control, and flood control;

(4) 

Trees and woodland systems are essential components to the general welfare of the Township, providing natural beauty, natural character, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat;

(5) 

Protecting this natural resource, and reproductive and regenerative capabilities of trees and woodland systems maintains this heritage for existing and future Township residents;

(6) 

The Township will benefit by instituting a woodland acquisition and tree planting program to protect and replenish trees lost due to development; and

(7) 

The protection of such natural resources is a matter of paramount public concern, as provided by Article IV, Section 52, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan and the Michigan Environmental Protection Act of 1970, MCL § 691.1201 et seq.